Sometimes communication can be difficult or expectations may differ between hosts and WWOOFers, despite everyone’s best intentions.
Here are some steps to follow:
- Take time to talk: Offer the WWOOFer a calm moment to discuss the stay. During this time:
- Express how you feel using “I” statements rather than “you” (for example: “I feel unsettled by your reserved attitude; I have the impression that you’re not feeling comfortable here. Is everything okay with you?” rather than “You’re cold and not making any effort to fit in.”). This helps avoid making the other person feel attacked and encourages constructive dialogue.
- Mention concrete facts: Saying “You never help in the kitchen” is accusatory and vague. Instead, say “Yesterday and at lunchtime today, I noticed you didn’t participate in meal preparation” to stay factual.
- Also, say what is working well: “What I appreciate is your good mood every morning despite the cold!”
- Listen without interrupting: Welcome his/her feelings without immediately trying to justify yourself. Ask open questions: “How are you experiencing your stay here? What do you like or dislike?” and try to see what you can also change on your side.
- Remind him/her of the WWOOFer Key Commitments: If some commitments are not respected, say so clearly and ask for them to be honored.
- Point out what you would like to change and agree on a deadline: “Let’s give ourselves until the day after tomorrow to readjust things, and then we’ll see if we can continue together or if it’s better to stop.”
- If things don’t improve, you can end the stay: Explain your decision kindly but firmly, and if possible, offer a temporary fallback solution (train station, transport, etc.).
- Contact the WWOOF team: If you need support or if you feel it’s important to report the WWOOFer’s attitude, contact the local WWOOF team. We are here to assist you, gather your feedback, and intervene if necessary.
- In case of an emergency: Contact the local authorities.
- We encourage you to leave an honest and constructive comment on the WWOOFer’s profile, based on concrete facts. This will help warn future hosts.